Mixed views over new link road scheme

THE long-awaited plans for the proposed M58/M6 link road were finally unveiled during a public consultation event.

More than 400 people attended the session at Lamberhead Green Working Men’s Club, in Pemberton, where planners discussed with residents the plans and how it is aimed to ease congestion.

The 1.4 mile road will connect the M58/M6 motorway junction through to Billinge Road and on to Pemberton Business Park where it will connect to the existing roundabout at Smithy Brook Road.

As well as providing significant relief to the busy A577 through Pemberton and Newtown, the road will open up areas for new housing and business development creating new jobs and boosting the local economy.

Coun David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are pleased that so many people came to the public exhibition to have a look at the plans and share their views.

“We hope they found it useful and had their questions answered by our team.

“We believe the M58 link road is an important solution to relieving Wigan and Pemberton’s traffic problems, improving its economic potential and protecting the environment by keeping traffic.”

The plans received mixed views, with some saying it would cut travel time to and from the M6 to Pemberton and it would help boost economy, whilst others are frustrated that the road is built near their homes and will cut them off from Pemberton and Highfield/Winstanley, increasing travel time.

A group of residents have launched a petition against it and have placed a banner at the end of the old Abraham Guest playing field, visible from junction 26 of the M6.

Alan Stone, a member of Say No the M58 Link Road group, said: “Wigan doesn’t need another new road through a housing estate. It needs a northbound link and a southbound exit at junction 25 M6 Bryn Link.

“Then it could link up with the existing A49 and new roads planned off Warrington Road.

“I do not understand the mentality of the council when it says Ormskirk Road is busy when it was made narrower by the council earlier this year. The proposal to close perfectly good roads and make road users use a new road which causes longer journey time is ludicrous.”

Alison Glover owner of Pemberton Lighting, in Ormskirk Road, said: “It cuts people in Highfield and Winstanley off from Pemberton.

“From Foundry Lane and Blundells Wood, people would have go onto the new road and because Enfield Street will be cut off, they have to come up Kilshaw Street, which isn’t very big. I can see shops closing because they can’t get to us. It will take people straight to Wigan.”

To have your say, view a video and images of the planned road and for further information see: www.wigan.gov.uk/M58LinkRoad

Feedback forms can be submitted up to the end of November.

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